From Grosics to Neuer - The evolution of sweeper keepers in modern football

Over the years the world of football has witnessed the professionalization of the sport, introduction of the Bosman rule, synthetic leather balls and light weight leather cleats to the newest addition - goal line technology. One other significant change that football has undergone in recent times is the death of wingers. Wide players are no longer hired to hug the touchline and provide crosses to tall lumbering strikers. Instead, the game has evolved to include versatile wide strikers who can not only cross the ball but also cut in and take lethal shots on goals. Moreover, the full backs are now required to provide width for the team. However, there is a newer evolution that has taken world football by storm.

The Pioneers

With formations such as 2-3-5 and 3-4-3 being used in those days, an additional player who could make tackles, interceptions, as well as, play an offensive pass in the form of a goalkeeper was a blessing to teams. Not only was their involvement in the game new and revolutionary but also extremely efficient as teams would often find themselves outnumbered somewhere between the half-line and the 18-yard box during a counter attack.

Gyula Grosics is considered to be one of the first goalkeepers to be deployed as a sweeper keeper as part of the fearsome Hungarian National team that included the likes of Ferenc Puskas. Known as the ‘black panther’ due to his all black outfit, Grosics would often rush out of the box to make clearances and interceptions. His impressive form allowed the Hungarians to remain undefeated for four years between1950 to 1954. In the 1954 world cup final against West Germany. they lost their first game in four years but regained their momentum going on another unbeaten run for two years until Grosics retired. Till date the Hungarian team of 1954 also known as ‘Mighty Magyars’ are considered one of the best national teams and Grosics is often given consideration in the greatest goalkeeper debate.

Football Today

Neuer’s on-field antics re-introduced the modern day sweeper keeper to the world of football. Today, every league has its share of sweeper keepers and managers too seem to prefer having a keeper who can not only contribute in defence but play with the ball at his feet as well.

Managers who have a sweeper keeper at their disposal are able to employ a higher defensive line which enables them to press and attack the ball with a lot more intensity that other teams. Teams like Bayern Munich often employed a three man defence under Pep Guardiola as Neuer would act as the last defender

Pep Guardiola’s recent ostracizing of Joe Hart and the signing of Claudio Bravo is evidence that suggests the Spaniard’s preference for a sweeper keeper over a good shot stopper. With Tottenham and Manchester United already possessing the keepers who can easily pass the ball out of defense, it’s only a matter of time before playing as a sweeper becomes a must for all goalkeepers.The world of football is such that one can expect changes constantly and unpredictably. As few teams have begun to use attacking midfield players as "false nines", it could be said the next evolutionary step could be the disappearance of out-and-out strikers. There is a possibility that teams could soon train a midfield player with exceptional work rate and finishing so that not only are there enough players to crowd the midfield but anyone can step up to score. Giving them an extra pair of legs to win all the midfield battles. However, until such time the world shall stand amazed with new sets of sweeper keepers who will come out of the academies into the footballing world.